Find Local Help | Heartland Disaster Help

Find The help You Need

There are many organizations in your state that can help you with disaster preparedness and recovery. This list includes the phone number and websites of these organizations, along with a description of each organization’s services.

Click here to view disasters common to your state

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What Disasters Should You Prepare For?

Natural disasters are becoming more frequent and affecting more communities each year. Being prepared can lessen the impact on your family and home. Some hazards — like floods, extreme heat, and thunderstorms — can strike almost anywhere. Others, such as hurricanes and tornados, are more common in certain regions. Explore the lists below to learn which disasters are most likely to affect your area, and which ones can impact us all.

Wildfire

North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii

Monitor weather updates. Listen to local radio, TV, or official apps for the latest updates on evacuation routes and fire conditions. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice, and keep an emergency kit ready. Clear debris and flammable materials from around your home when possible to reduce fire risk.

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Hurricanes

Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Washington, DC, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Texas, Oklahoma, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, Saipan/CNMI, American Samoa, U.S. Virgin Islands

Sign up for your local emergency notification systems and check alerts from the National Weather Service. Plan your evacuation route well in advance — learn the marked hurricane evacuation routes and prepare for contraflow traffic conditions. Keep an emergency kit on hand in case you need to evacuate. Create an evacuation plan for your household, including pets.

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Tornadoes and Derechos

Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Texas, Oklahoma, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kansas, Missouri

Stay informed and follow local weather alerts. Identify a sturdy shelter — interior room or basement — and practice drills with your family. Keep an emergency kit handy, including helmets or protective gear in case debris enters shelter. Protect your home by reinforcing doors and windows where possible. Be ready to shut off utilities if needed.

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Flood

Nationwide

Monitor alerts from the National Weather Service, especially during flash flood warnings. Keep an emergency kit ready and consider flood insurance — even if you live outside high‑risk areas. Avoid walking, swimming, or driving through floodwaters; just six inches can knock you off your feet. Always remember: Turn around, don’t drown!

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Extreme Heat

Nationwide

Sign up for local weather alerts and heat advisories to stay informed. Limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day and take frequent breaks in shaded or air‑conditioned areas. Stay hydrated and check on neighbors and friends who may need extra support, such as older adults, young children, people with disabilities, or those with health conditions. Watch for signs of heat‑related illness, such as dizziness, headache, or nausea, and seek medical help when needed.

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Air Quality

Nationwide

Monitor local air quality alerts using from your phones built-in weather app, by visiting AirNow.gov or local weather reports. Limit outdoor activity when conditions are poor. Check on those who are more vulnerable — older adults, young children, and people with asthma or other respiratory conditions.